Do you know about the contribution of African Americans to motorcycle culture? Most of you don’t. Under the name of “Black Chrome”, the Los Angeles African American Museum organizes an exhibition intending to repair this injustice. Through photos, interviews, objects and motorcycles that range from choppers to drag bikes, this California focused retrospective spotlights the innovations and creativity that have significantly changed the landscape of American motorcycling and gives an in-depth glimpse into this growing and little documented segment of African American culture. African American Museum from September 25, 08 to April 12, 09 (thanks Mike)
Archive Page 378
Please let me know where I should sit.
Oh, I see. You have to stand up behind the wheel. Weirder Than Weird.
EPA and CARB are actively looking for its owner for a big fine. In exchange, he can keep the machine exactly the way it is now, even on the roads of California…
Second Annual Leather Meets Lace At The Playboy Mansion
Published by September 23rd, 2008 in Editorial.
The Second Annual Leather Meets Lace at the Playboy Mansion is October 4 th, 2008. But it will start by a pre-party Oct. 3rd at 7.00 pm at the Highlands Hollywood Loft. October 4 at 8.30 am there will be a “Hollywood Fun Run” starting front of the Famous Kodak Theater 6801 Hollywood Blvd for a ride through the Hollywood Hills and then a buffet at exclusive Abuelitas restaurant. It will be time for the big night with VIP’s drop off at the Playboy Mansion
(7:00pm – 8:00pm
), Shuttle pickup for others at Renaissance Hotel, Cabaret at 9 pm and Auction starting at
1:00 am – Party ends at 3:00 am for another after party at the Highlands Hollywood. I was about to forget. All this is for charity. Tickets at 1-714-840-5200 (ask for Adele). Motorcycle Charity Leather Meets Lace Event.
Open Belt Assembly With Top fuel Look
Published by September 23rd, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
Belt Drives Limited is now offering their 3” Belt Drive assembly with the look of their strictly business Top Fuel system. The company’s 8MM open drive, which has become the standard for many top builders, provides maximum shaft support for superior performance and reliability. The new EVO-950 goes a step further with it’s pure attitude appearance and enhanced durability. Designed for 1990-2006 Softail machines running big inch, high torque engines, each kit includes BDL’s Patented Ball Bearing Lock Up Clutch for minimal clutch pull and positive engagement. For complete details, contact Belt Drive Ltd. at 714-685-3333.
Wash, dry, ride is the slogan of the 1st and only fully automated motorcycle wash system. It just opened in Indianapolis and was working hard with the crowd of bikers who came to watch the recent Moto GP races in the city. Spend more time riding and less time cleaning is an attractive proposition. 5 minutes at the motorcycle wash is supposed to do what you would do in a minimum of 30 minutes using a rag and a bucket. I bet that it works as well as a automated system can, but I would recommend that you bring only a recent bike, not one with chronic electrical issues and of course never an antique or restoration. Now, like with cars, don’t confuse washing and detailing. Moto Express Wash is supposed to come to your market very soon.
Jesse James’ Airstream Sidecar
Published by September 22nd, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
“See More. Do More. Live More”. Could be the motto of a biker but it is the slogan of Airstream Trailers. “Adventure is all around you, just waiting to be found. It haunts the streets of old ghost towns, chases the sun down coastal highways, and lies in ambush around the next bend, and the next, and the next”. Continue reading ‘Jesse James’ Airstream Sidecar’
2009 Iron & Lace Custom Motorcycles & PinUps Calendar
Published by September 21st, 2008 in Books and Editorial.
The 2009 Iron & Lace Custom Bike and Centerfold Model Calendar sponsored by Mikuni Carburetors and Performance Machine features the world’s top custom bikes together with sexy centerfold models in revealing lingerie. Photographed by Jim Gianatsis, Iron & Lace offers a month by month look at the top winning bikes from the 2007 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show’s Calendar Bike Building Championship including the Best of Show winner from Greg Westbury. Continue reading ‘2009 Iron & Lace Custom Motorcycles & PinUps Calendar’
Harley-Davidson opened its own channel on YouTube. All movies, videos are official Harley-Davidson content. If you are already familiar with YouTube, you already know that you can not only watch videos but also comment on, email, embed videos to your website, subscribe, receive updates etc…The 1st video you will see is the one of the 105th Celebration Parade, but if you dig deeper you will find some interesting “movie shorts”. There is nothing cheaper than YouTube to broadcast yourself to the world. Harley-Davidson YouTube Channel.
Power Train Alignment Tool For Harley-Davidson FL Models
Published by September 20th, 2008 in Driveline and Editorial.
You already know that keeping engine, transmission, swingarm and rear wheel in alignment is a necessity to eliminate frame wobble at high speed and while cornering. George’s Garage specializes in Harley-Davidson specialty tools and just released a power train alignment tool that is a must have for any shop or serious wrench. It works with 1993 to present Harley FL models. Both early and late blocks are machined from 6061billet aluminum and anodized red and the alignment pilots and screws are steel finished in black oxide. The comprehensive kit retails for $370.75. For complete details on specialty tool, contact George’s Garage at 909-843-7043 or catch them on the Web at George’s Garage
Essay About Motorcycle Noise By Harley President And COO Jim McCaslin
Published by September 19th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Exhaust.
Under the headline “Something we never want to lose”, Jim McCaslin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, wrote what I think is an interesting piece about motorcycle noise. He calls the issue of excessive motorcycle noise one of the company’s toughest challenges “because of its potential to divide and destroy our sport”. His point of view, of course, is the one of a manufacturer, but that you agree or not with his thoughts, his remarks are well worth reading. “Something We Never Want To Lose”
Battistinis Semi Circle Floorboards
Published by September 19th, 2008 in Builders, Controls and Customs.
Just by looking at these floorboards I can image the custom bike(s) on which they would look very cool. In the “Battistinis Tradition” the hole pattern is the essence of their design. Even your boots and the ones of your passenger will look more beautiful. In classic chrome or sinister black. Battistinis Online store.
Very Limited Edition Kick Start Pedals. Wow!
Published by September 18th, 2008 in Accessories, Customs and Engines.
Joe McGlynn at Crime Scene Choppers made these very cool one-off pedals for a friend, and fabricated some extras that are available NOW! A very limited edition and if I would be you I would rush, rush, rush to get at least one set in solid brass or polished aluminum. Call 831.406.0126 or FAX at 831.621.4706 US west coast time. Crime Scene Choppers.
This new part is to help passengers with a secondary foot position, freedom of movement, and keeping comfortable. The “Leg Risers” are machined from a solid block of ¾” billet aluminum and finished in show quality chrome. They bolt directly to the factory strut mounting location and can be used with a wide variety of stock or custom foot pegs. Each set includes mounting hardware but due to the variety of styles available, pegs are not included. Available for all Bagger and Softail models, except Deuce. They retail for $149.00 and can be ordered direct from Softbrake/North County Customs at 714-680-0991
“Dear Cyril, This new vintage piece is called “Before the Bricks”.
It features Cannonball Baker in 1909 on the Indian racer which the Speedway displays at the Hall of Fame Museum” David Uhl, Uhl Studios
“The bill that wanted to originally confiscate motorcycles for speeding and or stunt riding was contested by many during the Florida 2008 Legislative Session. During the hearings the bill sponsor stated that it had the endorsement of ABATE of Florida. Doc Reichenbach president of ABATE and paid lobbyist for the organization later said that was not true. The AMA sent out a call to action to their membership requesting they contact their legislators about not passing this bill. BOLT (Bikers Of Lesser Tolerance) had representatives at the hearings as did other motorcycle rights groups and some of the wording was changed though the bill did eventually pass. ABATE of Florida has taken credit for the changes in the bill. Continue reading ‘Florida House Bill 137 Becomes Law. Read.’
South Side Kustoms offers this quality/low cost rigid Bobber with many optional components like paint job, exhaust system, seat, handlebars. The base model starts at $17,000 with a genuine 80” Harley engine fitted with an S&S carb, a 3” Tauer open belt system, Ride Wright Spoke Wheels (19” front, 16” rear) in chrome or color powder coated, Tokiko 4-piston brakes, flat or ribbed rear fender, etc. Call 800-675-3191 or visit South Side Kustoms
I blog and you can too. As you know I open my digital space to anyone who has something interesting to say to my readers. Former guest bloggers included magazine journalists, custom builders, parts manufacturers and a few of you. It can be serious, it can be funny, it can be controversial, it can be whatever you want if related to the custom motorcycle industry and of course it must be written in good English. Providing a good picture to illustrate your thoughts is a plus. But don’t make your statements more than 300 words long. You can submit your deep thoughts or rants or funny stories to editor@cyrilhuzeblog.com.
Legendary Record-Setting Vincent Motorcycle To Be Sold
Published by September 16th, 2008 in Editorial.
Marty Dickerson, Vincent and Bonneville. Does it tell you something? Young Dickerson was already obsessed with racing when he traded in his Triumph Tiger for a near-new Vincent Series B Rapide. Back in 1948, even die-hard enthusiasts were hardly aware of the British-built OHV 1000cc machine despite that these 50-degree V-twins were the fastest stock motorcycles available. Marty’s purchase didn’t disappoint, in fact its maximum speed exceeded his long held expectations. Continue reading ‘Legendary Record-Setting Vincent Motorcycle To Be Sold’
Win This S&S 50th Anniversary Toolbox
Published by September 16th, 2008 in Editorial and Merchandise.
Buy anything from the S&S website from September 11th through September 30th and you have a chance to win one of our 187-piece Mac toolbox sets with the commemorative S&S 50th Anniversary faceplate, a retail value of $649.95. It doesn’t matter if you buy an air filter, pin or a jacket. Each separate purchase counts for one entry in the sweepstakes. No matter what you buy, you have a chance to win the toolbox. S&S Cycle Shop.
I think it’s an interesting light concept. Two mini custom made LED’s are housed inside a magnifying crystal mount providing an illumination output equivalent to 120,000 MCDs. At least 10 times brighter than what you thought as being the brightest mini light. Lights are water sealed and contain internal reflectors that direct LED’s light forward and out through the magnifying lenses. The results are dramatic! It’s so bright that they actually look like small lasers. Continue reading ‘New MicroLazer Lights’
Just got a copy of a letter from Mary D. Nichols, Chairman of CARB (California Air Resources Board) inviting “all interested parties” to participate in a discussion for reducing the global warming impacts of under-inflated tires. The objective is to propose new regulations for drivers/riders with tires with a PSI under what is recommended by the manufacturer. So, soon California will mobilize its police to check your tires PSI? Write tickets by missing PSI x the number of your tires? Welcome to California! Continue reading ‘Letter Of The Week From California Air Resources Board’
The Other V-Twin Engine
Published by September 15th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
This post written by “Nicker”.
“In the late 40’s Phil Irving penned the design of a legendary V-Twin motor for Phill Vincent. The stories of Vincent motored scooters are the stuff of legend. No one who ever laid their eyes on a Vincent V-twin in a Norton frame (a “Norvin”) can ever forget it. Such a machine is the epitome of the early English Rocker scene. From Roli Free to Mike Partis to Clem Johnson, all their V-twins were Killer scooters. Johnson’s “Barn Job” was an early 60’s legend. A handcrafted aluminum beauty, it shot him into uncharted territory: 9.82 e.t. 151.51 mph (Both are Lions strip club records). Continue reading ‘The Other V-Twin Engine’
Below are the 1st semester 2008 data of ABC (Audit Bureau Of Circulation) comparing the main US motorcycle magazines. Please note that 1- Not all magazines subscribe to ABC, and for those mentioned as unaudited the numbers come from the publisher’s own emails to advertisers or from the publisher’s own printed statements. 2-That some magazines are stronger with subscribers and others in newsstand sales. 3- That if you take in account all Cycle Industry Print Magazines, numbers are down by an average of only 5%. (and not 50% as mentioned in a former email) thanks to the very large and very stable audience of Cycle World Magazine (319,337). 4- That for the ABC audited magazines mentioned here, total paid circulation is down from 1.4% (Cycle world) to 24.9% (V-Twin). Not being ABC audited, I have no ABC information regarding IronWorks Magazine, Cycle Source, American Rider, The Horse and other magazines. They are free to publish their numbers in the comments section.
Added Sept. 15, 10.30 AM EST. 1- The subscription to ABC is very expensive, reason why some magazines don’t subscribe. 2- Evidently, a reader decides his magazine taking in account its content, not its circulation. 3- Rules of distribution imposed recently by some big chains make it more difficult for newer magazines to find a place on the newsstand.
8th Annual Las Vegas BikeFest Is October 2-5.
Published by September 13th, 2008 in Editorial and Events.
I love this show (it’s Las Vegas, Baby), participated to it and I will try to be present at this 8th edition, at least as a visitor for a change (to celebrate my birthday?). The official Las Vegas Website has a ton of useful info to help you prepare your visit. With very reasonable hotel rates (as you know hotels are cheap because they know you are going to spend some money downstairs…), and even cheaper when you make your reservations asking the special Las Vegas BikeFest rate. It’s a great destination for fun and riding in the Valley Of Fire (poker run sponsored by Red Rock Harley-Davidson), checking the gorgeous custom bikes at “artistry In Iron” and at the Fairmont bike show, checking all the vendors, watching the wet t-shirt contests, or going to see friend Branscombe Richmond perform on stage at the Fiesta Hotel (October ¾ at 8 PM), etc. Any questions? Call 866-BIKEFEST (245-3337) or visit Las Vegas Bikefest.
New Interesting Concept. Trike Rentals.
Published by September 13th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
As far as I know nobody specializes in trike rentals. Think about it. You want to ride a trike for a few days to see how it feels. Or you just want to ride one during your far-away vacation because it is what you ride back home. Or your companion/partner/wife told you she would feel better/safer/more comfortable cruising behind you on a 3-wheeler, and argued that she could snap better pictures while in the wind. Find your own reason(s). Continue reading ‘New Interesting Concept. Trike Rentals.’
The Ohio Motorcycle Hall Of Fame museum’s latest exhibition was called “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles”. It brought together about 50 motorcycles owned by celebrities from industry, movies, television and music, like Robert A. Lutz, vice chairman of General Motors; the racecar driver Dan Gurney; Tom Arnold, the actor; Neil Peart of the band Rush; and Thomas Hearns, the boxer. It also included the 1926 Scott Super Squirrel once owned by Steve McQueen and customized by Von Dutch. Bikes exhibited were coming from Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Spain and Sweden, as well as custom bikes from builders all over the United States. This exhibition curator was David Morris who just released the book “Motostars” featuring not only all the rare bikes mentioned but also rare motorcycle-movie posters and movie motorcycles like “The Terminator 2” and “The Fast And The Furious”. 160 pages of motorcycle art. MotoStars.
